German coins and currency GERMAN COINS AND CURRENCY Including coins and notes of the German Empire, Weimar Republic Inflationary period, Third Reich and East Germany THE MAN WHO SPARKED THE PROTESTANT REFORMATION Albrecht von Brandenburg, coming from the powerful ruling Prussian family, was appointed the archbishop of Magdeburg and administrator of the Diocese of Halberstadt in 1513, at the young age of 23. The following year he also became the Archbishop of Mainz. That position carried considerable temporal power as Archbishop of Mainz was one of the seven Electors of the Holy Roman Empire, making him only second in rank to the Emperor. His appointment to these positions was contrary to Church law as he had not yet reached the canonical age of 27 and one person could not hold more than a single diocese. However Albrecht was granted dispensations from Pope Leo X after he made a large contribution to the Pope to help pay for the rebuilding of St. Peter’s in Rome. Albrecht had borrowed the funds from Jakob Fugger.

In order to repay Fugger, he was granted permission by Pope Leo to sell indulgences, as long as half proceeds went to the Pope. All this was too much for a German monk named Martin Luther who driven to write his famous 95 Theses, which he nailed to the doors of the Wittenberg Castle Church, thus sparking the Protestant Reformation. This silver Groschen of Albrecht was minted by the Duchy of Prussia, which at that time was a vassal state of the Kingdom of Poland. One side depicts Albrecht along with the date and legends. The other side features and Eagle with an “S” on its chest, signifying Sigismund I, King of Poland, along with Albrecht’s abbreviated name and titles. The 23mm silver coin is dated between 1532 and 1545. Item ALBRECHT PRUSSIA SILVER GROSCHEN, ALBRECHT 1532-1545 VF $95.00 SILVER COIN OF CHARLES V FROM BESANCON Charles was the eldest son of Philip the Handsome and Joanna the Mad.

As heir to three of Europe’s leading dynasties: The Hapsburgs, The House of Valois-Burgundy and the crown of Castile & Aragon he ruled over much of Europe as well as the Spanish colonies in the Americas and Asia. He stopped Suleyman the Magnificent’ s advance into Europe at the Siege of Vienna in 1529. In an effort to try to limit further religious wars caused by the Protestant Reformation he encouraged the formation of the Society of Jesus (Jesuits) and the calling of the Council of Trent, which attempted to reform the Catholic Church and repudiate Protestantism. Charles abdicated the throne in 1555, dividing his lands between his son, Phillip II, who was given Spain, and his brother Ferdinand, who was given the Hapsburg throne. In 1526 Charles granted the Free Imperial City of Besancon the right to issue coins. At the time it was a French speaking city under nominal Hapsburg rule. The city issued coins bearing the name and portrait of Charles V until 1673. In 1674 French troops took the city and it has since remained part of France.

This silver coin, called a Carlos is named after Charles. It has the Charles’s portrait on the obverse and the cities arms on the reverse. The coins were made from about 1610 to 1622 but do not have a visible date. Item BESANCON BESANCON SILVER CARLOS 1610-1622 KM10 VG $29.95 COINS OF THE GERMAN EMPIRE In 1871 Otto Von Bismark united the German States under Prussian King Wilhelm I, forming the Second Reich, also known as the German Empire. The Empire disintegrated as a result of World War I. This 4 coin set includes the copper 1 & 2 Pfennig and the copper-nickel 5 and 10 Pfennig dating from 1874 to 1916. All four coins feature the Imperial German Eagle on the reverse.

Item DE-EMP-SET4 GERMANY EMPIRE 4 COIN SET 1 - 10 PFENNIG 1874-1916 F-XF $6.00 LAST SILVER COINS OF THE GERMAN EMPIRE With Germany’s defeat in World War I, the German Empire, also known as the 2nd Reich, came to an end. This set includes the two last silver coins issued by the German Empire: the 1/2 Mark and 1 Mark. Both feature the crowned Germanic Eagle on one side and the denomination on the other. The 1 Mark was minted from 1873 to 1916. The 1/2 Mark was minted from 1905 until 1919. The 1/2 Mark is about the size of a nickel, the 1 Mark is about the size of a quarter. Both are struck in .900 fine silver. We offer the set in two grades: Circulated and Brilliant Uncirculated. The coins in circulated sets grade Very Good to Extra Fine and often include earlier dates.

The Brilliant Uncirculated (BU) coins date from 1914 to 1919 and are in their original mint condition though may show slight toning. Item DE-SSET2C GERMAN EMPIRE SILVER 1/2 AND 1 MARK 1873-1919 Circulated (VG-XF) $18.00 Item DE-SSET2BU GERMAN EMPIRE SILVER 1/2 AND 1 MARK 1914-1919 KM17 & KM14 Uncirculated $40.00 MAGNIFICENT LARGE 1910 IMPERIAL GERMAN BANK NOTE DISPLAYED AT REDUCED SIZE This old German 1000 Mark notes dated 1910 is large and impressive! The note features the allegorical figures of Navigation and agriculture flanking the imperial German arms. The over-sized note is 187mm x 110mm (7.3” x 4.3”) and is printed in various shades of brown on special ridged hemp paper containing blue silk threads. The note is dated April 21, 1910.

At that time it was worth about $238 (which had the equivalent buying power of about $6000 today!) The note continued to be printed during and after World War I with the same date. The note shows virtually no circulation, having been stashed away shortly after it was printed, then sat in storage all these years. It is an impressive old note in top condition at a moderate price. Item PM-DE-1000M-10 GERMANY 1000 MARK NOTE 1910 P44 AU $6.00 HISTORIC SILVER COINS OF PRUSSIA COMMEMORATES DEFEAT OF NAPOLEON After Germany was unified in 1871, the states were allowed to strike their own higher denomination coins. The coins were all struck to the same standard, so that they could circulated throughout the country. The 2 Mark is 28mm in diameter and contains .321 troy ounces of silver, the 3 Mark is 33mm and contains.4823 troy ounces of silver.

In 1913 Prussiastruck a pair of beautiful silver coins commemorating the 100th anniversary of the Defeat of Napoleon. The silver 2 and 3 Mark both have the same design. One side shows an eagle attacking a snake while the other side shows King Frederick Wilhelm III on horseback being hailed by soldiers, civilians, and children. The legend at the top "König Rief Und Alle Alle Kamen" (The King Called and All Came) and the date "17.3.1813" refers to his call to arms against Napoleon. With the help of the Prussian army, Napoleon and the French army were defeated at the Battle of Leipzig in October of 1813. Ironically, within a year of the time the coins were struck, Prussia, now part of Germany, would again be at war with France. This time however, the French, not the German forces that would be victorious. With Germany's disastrous loss in the war, Wilhelm was forced to abdicate and lived his remaining days in seclusion in the Netherlands. The coins have minimal or no wear, but may have some rim nicks. These were the last commemorative coins issued by Prussia.

Item PRUS-NAP PRUSSIA 2 & 3 MARK 1913 DEFEAT OF NAPOLEON, KM532 & KM534 XF-AU $65.00 GERMAN WWI ERA COIN SET Because of the difficulty in obtaining nickel and copper needed for coins due to World War I, Germany made a number of changes in their coinage. In 1917 the copper 1 Pfennig was switched to aluminum and shrunk in size. It was discontinued shortly after that. The copper 2 Pfennig was discontinued due to the war. The copper-nickel 5 Pfennig was changed to iron in 1915 and continued to be produced until 1922. The copper-nickel 10 Pfennig was produced in two metals: iron, starting in 1916, and zinc starting in 1917. Both continued to be struck until 1922. All the coins had the denomination on one side and the imperial German Eagle on the other.

This World War I era four coin set includes the aluminum 1 Pfennig, iron 5 Pfennig and both the iron and zinc 10 Pfennig in Very Fine of better condition. Item DE-WWISET GERMANY WWI 4 COIN SET, 1915-1922 VF $6.00 GERMAN WEIMAR REPUBLIC BANKNOTE The Weimar Republic was formed after the defeat of the German Empire in World War I. Its early years were a tumultuous period of uprisings, riots and massive inflation. It is named after the city where the new German constitution was written and adopted in August, 1919, and lasted until the rise of the Nazis in 1933. The 100 Mark note features two images of the head of the “Bamberg Horseman”. The horseman is an impressive 13th century sculpture in the Bamberg Cathedral. The note is dated November 1, 1920 and includes the red Weimar crest.

Item PM-DE-100M GERMANY-WEIMAR 100 MARK NOTE, 1920 P69 Fine $3.00 Reduced size image INFLATION COINS OF THE WEIMAR REPUBLIC Germany's inflation is clearly demonstrated in these coins of the Weimar Republic. The aluminum 50 Pfennig was introduced in 1919 to replace the silver 1/2 Mark that had disappeared from circulation due to hoarding. When introduced one could buy about 2 loaves of bread with a 50 Pfennig coin. The 23mm coin was produced until 1922, though by the end 1922 it had lost almost all of its purchasing power. The design featured the denomination on the obverse and a bundle of grain on the reverse. During 1923 Germany suffered from some of the worst inflation the world had ever seen. In order to keep up with rapidly increasing prices, two new high denomination coins were introduced at the beginning of the year, the 200 Mark and 500 Mark. Both coins were struck in aluminum and had similar designs. One side featured the denomination.

The other featured the German Eagle. At the beginning of the year the two coins (700 Mark) would buy a loaf of bread. By the end mid November bread cost 80 Billion Mark! All three coins are Uncirculated. Item DE-50PF GERMANY 50 PFENNIG 1919-1922 KM27 UNC. $5.00 Item DE-INFLATSET GERMANY 200 & 500 MARK 1923 KM35 & 36 UNC. $18.00 GERMAN NOTGELD COINS, PAPER AND PORCELAIN Notgeld means "emergency money" in German, and generally refers to an extensive series of locally issued coins and currency produced during and following World War I. Notgeld was issued in paper, metal and even porcelain and other materials. Below is a selection of this fascinating but little known collectible. METAL GERMAN NOTGELD COINS Notgeld coins were struck for over 600 communities and companies in Germany between 1916 and 1922, though many are not dated.

Most are in denominated from 5 to 50 Pfennig. Typically the city arms or landmark is on one side and the denomination is on the other. They were usually struck zinc or iron, both of which corrode easily, so the coins often are spotted or rusted. Item DE-METNOTx1 1 GERMAN METAL NOTGELD COIN, F-VF-spots$3.00 PORCELAIN COIN SET FROM SAXONY This beautiful set of seven red porcelain coins was produced in 1921 by the famed Meissen Porcelain Manufactory for the State of Saxony in Germany, which owned the porcelain factory. At the time Germany was undergoing major economic upheavals following its defeat in World War I, resulting in severe coin shortages. Many towns and companies issued their own coins and currency, called notgeld. Porcelain coins are one of the most unusual forms of notgeld. All seven coins in the attractive set feature artistic designs. The 20, 10 and 5 Mark have gilt edges.

A mother suckling her baby is on the 20 Mark, a farmer with grain on the 10 Mark, a naked young boy is on the 5 Mark, the2 Mark depicts an eagle, the 1 Mark features a sailing ship, wine grapes and a shovel are on the 50 Pfennig and the 20 Pfennig has grains and a sickle. The denomination is on the reverse of each coin. The coins all include the famed Meissen crossed swords trademark and are Uncirculated. Item SAXONY-PORCSET SAXONY SET OF 7 PORCELAIN COINS, 20 PFENNIG - 20 MARK, 1921 UNC. out More expected in a few weeks Item SAXONY-1PORC SINGLE PORCELAIN COIN FROM ABOVE SET (20Pf. or 50Pf., Joel's choice) UNC. $8.00 WORLD WAR I GERMAN MILITARY LEADERS ON BANKNOTE The German town of Bad Kreuznach is noted for its radon inhalation and radon spas. For many years radon was used for reducing pain of rheumatism and treatment of many other ailments.

Today it is known for being a major cause of cancer. During the winter of 1917-1918 Kaiser Wilhelm moved the German High Command to Bad Kreuznach in order to take advantage of the spas. One side of this crudely printed Bad Kreuznach 50 Pfennig note depicts the three leaders of the German High Command: Kaiser Wilhelm II, Field Marshal Paul von Hindenburg and General Erich Ludendorff. The note bears the dates "1917 1918" and the city’s coat-of-arms. The other side has a picture of a bridge and a spa. The Uncirculated note measures approximately 100mm x 75mm (4” x 3”). Item PM-KREUZNACH BAD KREUZNACH 50 PFENNIG NOTE, 1917-1918 UNC. $6.00 BANKNOTE FROM THE CITY OF GOTHA Reduced size image Because of the severe inflation that followed World War I, prices were rising faster than the German government could print money. Many towns and companies resorted to printing their own currency.

This 100 Mark note was issued by the City of Gotha, Germany. It is dated September 30, 1922. It is a simple, uniface note that pictures a bishop from the town’s arms. Item PM-GOTHA GOTHA, GERMANY 100 MARK NOTE, 1922 VF $3.00 1923 GERMAN INFLATION CURRENCY SETS NOTES DISPLAYED AT 50% OF ACTUAL SIZE In 1923, Germany experienced some of the world’s worst inflation. Prices increased hourly and people needed a suitcase of full of money just to make modest purchases. Some companies printed their own currency to meet payroll and pay for supplies. We are pleased to offer you the following two sets of notes from the 1923 German Hyperinflation: From the German Reichsbank (German government bank) we offer a set of eight inflation notes with denominations from 1 Million Mark to 500 Million Mark. The notes are dated between August 9, 1923 and September 1, 1923.

Included are the 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100 and 500 Million Mark notes. In order to produce the notes quickly in order to keep up with inflation, the notes had simple designs and were printed only on one side. The notes are in original Uncirculated condition, however some notes may have received minor damage in storage over the years, so we will call the set AU-UNC. All the notes are roughly 5.5” x 3.5” (140 x 90mm). According to their inscriptions they were valid only for a short period of time, ranging from about 3 weeks to about 3 months from the notes issue date. This may have been done in an attempt to control inflation by trying to "extinguish" part of the money supply, however I suspect it only encouraged people to spend their money faster, thus increasing the velocity of money and furthering inflationary pressures. This fascinating currency set serves as a warning of what happens when a nations monetary policy gets out of control.

Item PM-DE-INFLAT8 GERMANY SET OF 8 INFLATION BANKNOTES, 1 MILLION - 500 MILLION MARK, 1923 P102-110, AU-UNC. $45.00 CLICK HERE to see our exhibit on the coins and notes of the German Hyperinflation GERMAN INFLATION POSTAGE STAMPS Germany’s post World War I inflation is reflected in their postage stamps. This set includes 27 different German postage stamps issued between 1918 to 1923, with values ranging from 10 Pfennig (cost of a domestic letter in 1918) to 5 Million Mark (a domestic letter cost 4 Million Mark on Oct. 20, 1923). In order to try to keep up with the soaring rates some stamps were overprinted with new values. The stamps in this collection are all original unused stamps however some may be slightly torn or damaged.

Item STMP-DE-INFL27 27 DIFFERENT UNUSED GERMAN POSTAGE STAMPS 1918-1923 $12.00 GERMANY CELEBRATES 1st ANNIVERSARY OF NAZI RULE Nazi Germany celebrated the first anniversary of Nazi rule with these silver commemorative 2 and 5 Reichsmark coins dated 1934. Both coins have the same design. The reverse portrays the Potsdam Garrison Church and the date 21 March, 1933. It was at this church on that date that Hitler ceremonially opened the first Reichstag of the Third Reich, officially ushering in Nazi control of Germany. The obverse depicts the German Eagle and two small swastikas. The 25mm 2 Reichsmark coin is struck in .625 fine silver and contains .1607 troy oz. of silver. The 29mm 5 Reichsmark coin is struck in .900 fine silver and contains .4016 troy oz. of silver.

Item DE-81 NAZI GERMANY SILVER 2 REICHSMARK 1934, 1st. ANNIVERSARY OF NAZI RULE KM81 VF $19.50 Item DE-82 NAZI GERMANY SILVER 5 REICHSMARK 1934, 1st. ANNIVERSARY OF NAZI RULE KM82 VF $32.00 FIRST NAZI GERMAN COIN This nickel 1 Reichsmark was the first new coin introduced by the Nazi government after they assumed power in 1933. One side bears an Imperial eagle, while the other has the date and denomination. The coin was struck in nickel and was minted from 1933 until 1939. The coins were recalled and melted after the start of World War II as the nickel was needed for the war effort. Today it is one of the hardest to find of all the regular issue Nazi German coins.

Item DE-1RMK NAZI GERMANY NICKEL 1 REICHSMARK 1933-39 KM78 VF-XF $12.00 NAZI GERMANY SILVER COINS NAZI GERMANY SILVER 2 REICHSMARK This historic silver 2 Reichsmark was struck by Nazi Germany from 1936 until production was halted by the start of World War II in 1939. One side depicts a Nazi Eagle holding a swastika with the legend "Deutsches Reich", along with the date and denomination. The other side pictures Paul Von Hindenburg, who turned Germany over to Hitler. Hitler honored him by putting him on this coin. The coin is approximately the size of a quarter and has an unusual lettered edge. The coin contains .1607 troy ounces of silver and grades Very Fine or better. It is an historic coin of the failed Third Reich.

Item DE-93 NAZI GERMANY SILVER 2 REICHSMARK HINDENBURG/SWASTIKA 1936-39 KM93 VF $13.00 POTSDAM GARRISON CHURCH ON NAZI SILVER 5 REICHSMARK The Postsdam Garrison Church, also known as the Potsdam Military Church, is featured on this Nazi German silver 5 Reichsmark. It was at this church that on March 21, 1933 Hitler ceremonially opened the first Reichstag of the Third Reich, officially ushering in Nazi control of Germany. To honor the event, the Church was featured on this silver 5 Reichsmark. The obverse depicts a Germanic Eagle, two small swastikas and the legend "Deutsches Reich". The church was built by Prussian King Friedrich Wilhelm I between 1730 and 1735, and was destroyed by fire on April 14, 1945. Two weeks later Hitler committed suicide. The coin is approximately the size of a Half Dollar and has an unusual lettered edge.

It is struck in .900 fine silver, which was the same as was used for United States coins. It contains .4016 troy ounces of silver. It was struck only 2 years, 1934 and 1935, before being replaced in 1935 with a new design featuring Paul von Hindenburg. Item DE-83 5 REICHSMARK MILITARY CHURCH 1934-35 KM83 VF $24.00 HINDENBURG & EAGLE ON NAZI GERMANY SILVER 5 REICHSMARK German President Paul von Hindenburg appointed Hitler as Chancellor of Germany, putting Germany under Nazi rule. Hindenburg died the following year in August 1934. Hitler honored him by putting him on this silver 5 Reichsmark coin. Hitler himself never appeared on any official German coins or currency. The obverse depicts the head of Hindenburg. The reverse side features a Germanic Eagle, the date, denomination and the legend "Deutsches Reich". The coin was struck for only about a year starting in mid 1936.

In mid-1936 the reverse was changed to a new design. The coin is approximately the size of a Half Dollar and has an unusual lettered edge. It is struck in .900 fine silver, which was the same as was used for United States coins. It contains .4016 troy ounces of silver. It is a short-lived Nazi Germany coin. Item DE-86 5 REICHSMARK HINDENBURG/EAGLE 1935-36 KM86 VF $19.00 HINDENBURG & SWASTIKA ON NAZI GERMAN 5 REICHSMARK In mid-1936 Nazi Germany revised the reverse of their 5 Reichsmark, replacing the Germanic Eagle with a Nazi Eagle holding a Swastika. The obverse, featuring the Paul von Hindenburg was left unchanged. The silver 2 Reichsmark coin bearing the same design of Hindenburg and the Nazi Eagle holding the Swastika was introduced at the same time. The coin continued to be minted until 1939, when it was discontinued due to the war effort.

The coin is approximately the size of a Half Dollar and has an unusual lettered edge. It is struck in .900 fine silver, which was the same as was used for United States coins. It contains .4016 troy ounces of silver. The coin serves as a reminder of the brief but destructive "1000 Year Reich". Item DE-94 5 REICHSMARK HINDENBURG/SWASTIKA 1936-39 KM94 VF $25.00 SPECIAL - ALL 4 OF THE ABOVE NAZI GERMAN SILVER COINS Buy the set and save! Item DE-SSET4 SET OF ABOVE 4 NAZI GERMAN SILVER COINS $79.50 NAZI GERMAN 8 COIN SET This set consists of the eight lower denominations of Nazi German coins each showing the eagle and swastika. The 1936-1939 issues include the 1, 2, 5 and 10 Reichspfennig made from bronze or aluminum-bronze alloys.

In 1939 an aluminum 50 Reichspfennig with the Eagle and Swastika was introduced, and was produced until 1944. In 1940 the 1, 5 and 10 Reichspfennig were switched to zinc and the 2 Reichspfennig was discontinued due to the war. All eight coins grade VF or better, though the zinc coins may show some spots as zinc spots very easily. The coins all feature the denomination on one side and an eagle holding a swastika on the other. Item DE-NAZISET8 NAZI GERMAN 8 COIN SET 1- 50 REICHSPFENNIG, 1936-1944 $20.00 NAZI GERMAN 14 COIN SET This 14 coin set includes the regular issue coins of Nazi Germany listed above. Included are the following coins: The bronze 1 and 2 Reichspfennig issued from 1936 to 1940 with an eagle and swastika.

The aluminum-bronze (brass) 5 and 10 Reichspfennig issued from 1936 to 1939 with an eagle and swastika. The aluminum 50 Reichspfennig picturing an eagle, which was dated only one year, 1935. The nickel 1 Reichsmark with an eagle which was issued from 1933 to 1939. Because nickel was a critical war material, most were melted during the War. The silver 5 Reichmark issued in 1934 and 1935 pictures the Potsdam Garrison Church where Hitler was sworn into office on one side and an eagle and two small swastikas on the other. Paul von Hindenburg and an Eagle are on the silver 5 Reichsmark dated 1935 and 1936. The silver 2 Reichsmark and 5 Reichsmark dating from 1936 to 1939 pictures Hindenburg on one side and an eagle holding a swastika during the other.

Because of World War II, the only coins issued after 1940 were the zinc 1, 5 and 10 Reichspfennig, and the aluminum 50 Reichspfennig, which depict an eagle holding a swastika. The coins grade Very Fine or better, though the zinc coins may have some spots. Because of the difficulty in obtaining all 14 coins at one time, I rarely am able to offer this historic set. (Note: this set includes the coins from Nazi set of 4 silver coins and the Nazi 8 coin set listed above, plus the aluminum 1935 50 Reichspfennig which was issued that single year, and the scarce nickel 1 Reichsmark) Item DE-NAZISET14 NAZI GERMAN 14 COIN SET 1 REICHSPFENNIG - 5 REICHSMARK 1934-44 $110.00 NAZI GERMAN CURRENCY The following notes were used in Nazi Germany throughout World War II and remained legal tender until 1948.

The notes bear two dates: the date the note was first authorized, and the date the issuing bank was authorized to issue currency. Unlike coins, the date is not the year the note was printed. These Reichsbank notes were supposedly backed by gold. The 1935 100 Reichsmark features a large swastika underprint at the center. To the right is Justus von Liebig, a 19th century German chemist who is "Father of the Fertilizer Industry" for his discovery of nitrogen as an essential plant nutrient. The back depicts allegorical figures. Item PM-DE-NAZI100RMK GERMANY 100 REICHSMARK 1935 P183 Fine-VF $20.00 Reduced size images The 50 Reichsmark features the portrait and watermark of 19th century Prussian politician and banker David Hansemann. The back features a portrait of Mercury and two small children. The design does not include a swastika. The note is dated March 30, 1933, which is one week after Hitler assumed control over Germany.

Item PM-DE-NAZI50RMK GERMANY 50 REICHSMARK 1933 P182 VG-VF $10.00 Reduced size images The 20 Reichsmark note dated 1929 portrays Ernst Werner Siemens, the 19th century German industralist and inventor who founded the Siemens A.G. which has expanded into a multi-national company producing a wide range products. The back features children holding tools and a worker carrying a hammer. It has a watermark of Siemans at the left and an embosed seal near the lower left corner. The note continued in circulation throughout World War II. Item PM-DE-NAZI20RMK-29 GERMANY 20 REICHSMARK 1929 P181 VG-VF $7.00 In 1939 a new 20 Reichsmark note was introduced, with a design taken from an unissued Austrian note. Austria had been forcibly incorporated into the Third Reich the previous year. The front depicts a young woman holding edelweiss, There is also a small eagle and swastika and a large swastika underprint.

The back pictures an alpine lake. Both 20 Reichsmark notes continued to circulate throughout the war years. Item PM-DE-NAZI20RMK-39 GERMANY 20 REICHSMARK 1939 P185 Fine-VF $25.00 Reduced size images The 10 Reichsmark depicts Albrecht Thaer, a 19th Century German agriculturalist who applied scientific principles to agriculture and set up one of the first agricultural colleges. The back features two children and a woman carrying a sickle. The note is dated January 22, 1929. It has a watermark of Thaer at the right and an embosed seal near the lower left corner. Item PM-DE-NAZI10RMK GERMANY 10 REICHSMARK 1929 P180 VG-VF $5.00 NAZI GERMAN 5 REICHMARK NOTE FEATURES HITLER YOUTH Reduced size image Nazi Germany introduced this 5 Reichmark note in 1942 to replace the silver 5 Reichsmark coins which were disappearing from circulation due to hoarding.

The front of the note features a German young man, along with a small eagle and swastika. The back depicts a woman with a sickle and a man with a wood plane, representing farming and industry. Between them is a vignette of the Brunswick Cathedral and the Brunswick Lion statue. The Lion was commissioned by Henry the Lion about 1166AD. The statue is the oldest, preserved large sculpture from the Middle Ages north of the Alps. The note measures 140x70mm and is brown. The left side features a watermark of the numeral "5". Item PM-DE-5RMK NAZI GERMANY 5 REICSHMARK NOTE, 1942 P186 VG-VF $12.00 BUY THE SET AND SAVE! Set of all six of the above Nazi German Reichsbank notes: 5, 10, both 20 Reichsmark notes, 50 and 100 Reichsmark. In the over 40 years we have been selling coins and notes, this is the first time we have been able to assemble sets of all six of these notes.

These are the notes used by Germans througout the war years: farmers, mechants, workers, soldiers and politicians. It is an historic and hard to find set. Item PM-DE-NAZISET6 NAZI GERMANY SET OF ABOVE 6 NOTES: 5 – 100 REICHSMARKS $69.50 NAZI GERMAN 1 RENTENMARK NOTE Reduced size image In 1937 Nazi Germany introduced a 1 Rentenmark note, in order to replace the nickel 1 Reichsmark coin . The coin was to be withdrawn so that the nickel could be used in the upcoming war efforts. The Rentenmark was equivalent to the Reichsmark , however it was issued by the Rentenbank rather than the Reichsbank and the currency was theoretically backed by land rather than by gold. The note has the embossed seal of the Rentenbank at the lower right hand corner. The note is technically Uncirculated, but may have had slight mishandling over the past 80 or so years, so we call it AU-UNC.

Item PM-DE-1RNTMKU NAZI GERMANY 1 RENTENMARK NOTE 1937 P173 AU-UNC. $15.00 WORLD WAR II GERMAN MILITARY CURRENCY Reduced size image This Wehrmacht military scrip note was used by Nazi Germany to pay its troops during the final months of World War II. The green 1 Reichsmark is dated September 15, 1944. Soldiers were paid in military scrip while in transit. When a soldier arrived at his post the notes could be converted to the local currency or occupation notes . The front includes an Eagle holding a Swastika and the inscription "Deuteche Wehrmacht". The back of the note includes regulations and instructions on how to use the notes. It is an interesting and historic piece of World War II military history. Item PM-DE-MILIT1 GERMAN MILITARY 1 REICHSMARK NOTE 1944 PM38 UNC.

$13.00 ALLIED MILITARY CURRENCY FOR OCCUPIED GERMANY Reduced size image The Allied Military currency for Germany was created by the United States for use in Germany after the defeat of the Nazis. The notes are dated 1944 and have a simple design, with the denomination and legends in German on the front and a large letter “M” for Mark, on the back. As the Soviet Union participated in the occupation of Germany, they demanded that they too print a portion of the notes. After great debate, the United States gave into the Soviet demand, and provided them with glass plates, inks, paper and specimen notes. The Soviets then proceeded to print vast quantities of the notes, without regard to the wishes of the other allies, fueling inflation in the war-torn country. There are however a few very minor differences that distinguish the United States issues and the Soviet issues. The United States issues were printed by Forbes Lithograph Manufacturing Company (Forbes Printing) in Massachusetts, and contain secret mark: a tiny letter “F” hidden in the scrollwork. The exact location varied by denomination. The plates provided to the Soviets did not have that “F”, so it is lacking on the Soviet issues.

The Soviets did not have serial numbering equipment capable to print nine-digit number, so they combined a three digit and a six-digit block for their printings, which causes a slight gap between the third and forth digits. Forbes used a dash for the first digit to signify a replacement note. The samples provided the Soviets were replacement notes, so initially all the Soviet issues had a dash for the first digit of the serial number – until they printed so many notes that they needed all 9 digits. In 1948 the Allied Military Currency was withdrawn and replaced with the currency of West Germany and East Germany. We are pleased to offer the following the following selection historic Allied Military Currency notes used in the occupation of Germany. Item PM-DE-AMC1/2M GERMANY 1/2 MARK ALLIED MILITARY CURRENCY U.S. issue 1944 P191a VF $8.00 Item PM-DE-AMC1M GERMANY 1 MARK ALLIED MILITARY CURRENCY , U.S.

issue 1944 P192a F-VF $6.00 CLICK HERE FOR WORLD WAR II COIN & CURRENCY PAGE COMPLETE SET OF SCARCE SAARLAND COINS Saar is an important center for coal mining and heavy industry located in Germany along the French border. Most of its citizens are of German ancestry. Following World War II, France occupied the region and tried to establish Saarland as a separate nation in an effort to cripple Germany's industrial base. France assumed control of its foreign affairs and even issued coins for Saarland. The coins were struck at the Paris mint and were the same size and composition as the contemporary French coins. Soon after the coins were issued, Saarland voted to reunite with Germany, bringing an end to brief coin issue. We are pleased to offer a complete set of the only four coins ever issued by Saarland. The set includes the 1954 aluminum-bronze 10, 20 and 50 Franken and the 1955 copper-nickel 100 Franken.

The aluminum-bronze 10, 20 and 50 Franken feature a stylized factory spewing out pollution and the Saarland arms on the obverse. The copper-nickel 100 Franken has the arms within a circle. The reverses of all the coins have the denomination in German and the date. Perhaps it should have been a clue to the French when they had to put the legends in German that Saarland would not remain under French control. Item SAAR-SET4 SAARLAND 4 COIN SET 10-100 FRANKEN 1954-55 XF $75.00 FIRST COINS OF EAST GERMANY East Germany issued its first coins in 1948 while it was still under the occupation of the Soviet Army. The coins consisted of the aluminum 1, 5 and 10 Pfennig. The coins featured an ear of grain and a cogwheel, which symbolized a communist "Workers' and Farmers' state". The denomination was on the other side. In 1950 an aluminum-bronze 50 Pfennig was also minted.

It pictured smoky factories spewing out pollution and an old plow. In 1952 a new series of aluminum 1, 5 and 10 Pfennig coins was introduced. The obverse showing the denomination was basically unchanged, however the new reverse designs featured a compass, hammer and two ears of grain. The compass represented the intelligentsia, who were supposed to be leading the workers (hammer) and farmers (grain). The new designs were issued only two years: 1952 and 1953. After the reunification of Germany, the East German coins were withdrawn from circulation and melted.

Item EGER-SET4 EAST GERMANY 4 COIN SET 1 - 50 PFENNIG 1948-50 VF $7.00 Item EGER-SET3 EAST GERMANY 3 COIN SET 1 - 10 PFENNIG 1952-53 VF-XF $5.00 30th ANNIVERSARY OF EAST GERMANY The 30th anniversary of the founding of the German Democratic Republic (DDR) is commemorated on this 1979 copper-nickel 20 Mark coin of East Germany. Eleven years after the coin was issued East Germany ceased to exist as a nation. The coin features the head of a man and a woman in front of a chemical factory. The reverse depicts the East German Arms and the denomination. The 33mm coin diameter has a lettered edge indicating the denomination. The coin was minted in Berlin and is Brilliant Uncirculated.

Item EGER-ANNV EAST GERMANY 20 MARK 1979 30th ANNIVERSARY, KM75 BU $15.00 EAST GERMAN MILITARY MEDALS These medals were awarded to members of the East Germany’s armed forces or border patrol. These 35mm medals come suspended on a pin-back five sided cloth ribbon. The medals all utilize the same reverse which feature the insignia of the East Germany’s National People’s Army. The insignia includes the emblem of East Germany surrounded by the legend "FÜR DEN SCHUTZ DER ARBEITER UND BAUERN MACHT" (For the protection of the workers’ and peasants’ power) Bronze, silver and gold medals were awarded. The gold and silver medals are plated. These medals show virtually no usage. Below is a selection of these rarely seen military awards. As a bonus, each medal also includes the corresponding ribbon bar.

DISTINGUISHED SERVICE MEDAL The Distinguished Service Medals depict the busts of 1950’s era East German sailor, airman and soldier surrounded by the words "FÜR HERVORRAGENDE VERDIENSTE" (FOR OUTSTANDING MERIT) and "NATIONALE VOLKSARMEE" (NATIONAL PEOPLE'S ARMY).

It was awarded for "Outstanding merit and personal readiness in support of the increase of combat capability and combat readiness" Item EGER-MED-DS-B EAST GERMANY BRONZE DISTINGUISHED SERVICE MEDAL $15.00 Item EGER-MED-DS-G EAST GERMANY "GOLD" DISTINGUISHED SERVICE MEDAL $25.00 FAITHFUL SERVICE MEDAL The Faithful Service Medals depict the flag the German Democratic Republic atop the red communist party flag with the legends "FÜR TREUE DIENSTE IN DER NATIONALEN VOLKSARMEE" (For Faithful Service in the National People’s Army) The bronze medal was awarded for five years of military service, the silver medal was awarded for ten years of military service, a gold medal was awarded for 15 years of military service, a gold medal with colored flags and the Roman numerals XX on the ribbon was awarded for 20 years of military service.

Item EGER-MED-5SVC EAST GERMANY BRONZE 5 YEARS OF FAITHFUL SERVICE MEDAL $12.00 Item EGER-MED-10SVC EAST GERMANY "SILVER" 10 YEARS OF FAITHFUL SERVICE MEDAL $18.00 Item EGER-MED-20SVC EAST GERMANY "GOLD" 20 YEARS OF FAITHFUL SERVICE MEDAL $25.00 BORDER GUARD MEDAL OF MERIT The Border Guard Medals of Merit features a border post and an AK-47 (perhaps to shoot those trying to escape from East Germany) surrounded by the legend "FÜR HERVORRAGENDE VERDENSTE GRENZTRUPPEN DER DDR" (For outstanding merit East German Border Guard) Item EGER-MED-BORD-B EAST GERMANY BRONZE BORDER GUARD MEDAL $20.00 Item EGER-MED-BORD-S EAST GERMANY "SILVER" BORDER GUARD MEDAL $25.00 SPECIAL - BUY THE SET AND SAVE!

Item EGER-MED-SET7 ALL 7 OF THE EAST GERMAN MILITARY MEDALS LISTED ABOVE, Buy the set and save! $95.00 GERMANY CELEBRATES 25th ANNIVERSARY OF UNIFICATION Germany commemorated the 25th anniversary of the unification of East and West Germany with this circulating 2015 bi-metallic 2 Euro coin. The obverse shows celebrating the unification in front of the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin and the legend "WIR SIND EIN VOLK" (We are one people) repeated three times. The standard 2 Euro design featuring a map of Europe is used on the reverse. The edge includes the inscription translating as "Unity and law and freedom". The coin was produced by all five of Germany’s mints: (Berlin=A, Munich= D, Stuttgart = F, Karlsruhe = G, Hamburg = J) The mintmark is found near the feet of the people. It is probably the most significant commemorative issued by Germany in recent years.

Item DE-2E15UNIFY-ANY GERMANY 2 EUROS 2015 25th Anniversary of Unification, Mint of Joel's choice $6.00 Item DE-2E15UNIFY-A GERMANY 2 EUROS 2015 25th Anniversary of Unification, A-Berlin Mint, UNC. $7.00 Item DE-2E15UNIFY-D GERMANY 2 EUROS 2015 25th Anniversary of Unification, D-Munich Mint, UNC. $7.00 Item DE-2E15UNIFY-F GERMANY 2 EUROS 2015 25th Anniversary of Unification, F-Stuttgart Mint, UNC. $7.00 Item DE-2E15UNIFY-G GERMANY 2 EUROS 2015 25th Anniversary of Unification, F-Karlsruhe Mint, UNC. $7.00 Item DE-2E15UNIFY-J GERMANY 2 EUROS 2015 25th Anniversary of Unification, J-Hamburg Mint, UNC.

$7.00 Item DE-2E15UNIFY-ALL GERMANY 2 EUROS 2015 25th Anniversary of Unification, ALL 5 MINTS UNC. $29.50 LARGE GERMAN EAST AFRICA 5 HELLER German East Africa was a German colony that encompassed what are today the nations of Rwanda, Burundi, most of Tanzania as well as portions of Mozambique, Kenya and Uganda. This large bronze 5 Heller is 37mm in diameter and weighs 20 grams, making it inconveniently large and heavy for a low value coin. It was struck only two years, 1908 and 1909, before being replaced with a smaller copper-nickel coin. One side features the German Imperial crown. The denomination within a wreath is on the other. The coin was struck at the Hamburg (J) mint. With the advent of World War I, most of the coins were melted down for their metal and few survive today.

Item GEA-5H-08 GERMAN EAST AFRICA 5 HELLER 1908 KM11 VF $75.00 Item GEA-5H-09 GERMAN EAST AFRICA 5 HELLER 1909 KM11 VF $89.00 GERMAN EAST AFRICA WORLD WAR I EMERGENCY COINS With the outbreak of World War I in July 1914, German East Africa soon found itself isolated due to an effective British naval blockade. The one German warship in the region, the light cruiser SMS Königsberg led British Royal Navy on a merry chase, sinking both military and merchant ships, before being forced back to German East Africa due to engine problems. The British were forced to tie twenty ships and ten aircraft before finding and trapping the crippled German ship. The Germans eventually scuttled the ship, salvaging what they could, rather than letting it fall to the British. On land, German Colonel von Lettow-Vorbeck, with a small force of some 3500 German and 12,000 native soldiers and porters engaged in an effective guerilla war against the British.

He managed to tie up well over 40,000 British soldiers, caused extensive British casualties, and compelled Britain to commit significant resources to this minor colonial theater. Though he frequently retreated, he was never defeated. After the war he was honored by both the Germans and British as a brave and resourceful commander. The Germans needed money to pay their troops and purchase supplies. Utilizing equipment salvaged from the Königsberg and other ships, a crude mint was set up in Tabora. These 20 Heller coins were struck in brass and copper at the Tabora mint utilizing hand cut dies. Metal for the coins came from many sources, including spent cartridges, artillery shell casings, wiring, and metal salvaged from the Königsberg. One side depicts the imperial German crown, the date “1916”, the initials “D.O.A.” (for Deutsch-Ostafrika, or German East Africa) and the “T” mintmark for Tabora. The other side has the denomination surrounded by two laurel branches. 1.5 million brass 20 Heller coins were struck before the Tabora was abandoned to British and Belgian forces. The coins are approximately 29mm in diameter.

German East Africa encompassed what is today the nations of Rwanda, Burundi, most of Tanzania as well as small portions of Mozambique, Kenya and Uganda. The banknote and coins are important World War I emergency issues made in an embattled colony cut off from its mother country. Item GEA-20HBRASS GERMAN EAST AFRICA 20 HELLER 1916 BRASS KM15a F-VF $22.00 Also see:

Question: What do we call the item the Germans call a “briefmarke”?
Answer: Postage Stamp